Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s fifth largest city |
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Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Wikipedia.com Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s fifth largest city with a population exceeding 1.2 million people. Located on the southeasten coast, it is one of Southern Africa’s major seaports. Port Elizabeth twinned with Jacksonville in February, 2000. History The Port Elizabeth area was first visited by the Portuguese in 1482. For a hundred years it remained in the hands of the Portuguese as a vital port for outbound ships on the Cape route to India. In 1795, the British captured the Cape and a stone fort was built on the hill overlooking Port Elizabeth. In the first two decades of the nineteenth century, a flourishing circle of businesses, including a whaling station, seal fisheries, a tannery and retail stores were established. In 1820, 1,000 British families arrived in Algoa Bay, marking the founding of the city. On June 6, 1820, Sir Rufane Donkin, Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at that time, named the city after his late wife, Elizabeth. Today, Port Elizabeth is the economic powerhouse of the Eastern Cape Province with a well-established and diverse economy. In 1993 Port Elizabeth became the first city with a fully democratic non-racial City Council in South Africa. The city now forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Business Port Elizabeth (and Uitenhage) is home to South Africa's motor vehicle industry, hosting General Motors, Volkswagen, Ford, Continental Tyres and many other automotive companies. Most other industries in the region are geared towards the motor vehicle industry, providing parts such as wiring harnesses, catalytic converters, batteries and tires to vehicle manufacturers. Port Elizabeth is also a major seaport, with the most significant ore loading facilities in the southern hemisphere. As part of the ongoing development, a new Industrial Development Zone with expanded port facilities is being built at Coega. Culture Located at the end of the picturesque Garden Route along the Cape, Port Elizabeth is one of South Africa's major destinations for tourists, many of whom come simply to enjoy the many fine beaches in and near the city. The surrounding area has a number of historic attractions, many of which are linked by the Donkin Heritage Trail. Attractions include the gardens at St George's Park, the King George VI Art Gallery, the museum and oceanography room at Humewood, and the new Boardwalk waterfront complex. The wider area surrounding PE also features a number of game viewing opportunities, including the famous Addo Elephant Park. Jacksonville and Port Elizabeth became sister cities on February 24, 2000, when a video teleconferencing twinning ceremony was held, in which Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney and Port Elizabeth Mayor Nceba Kaku signed the twinning agreements. Citizens on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean were able to witness the birth of this new relationship. JSCA was awarded the Technology and Communications Award from Sister Cities International in 2000 for this innovative technological event. Links to Port Elizabeth Websites: |